Executing EXE Files with Windows PowerShell: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to effortlessly run EXE files on Windows 10 and 11 using PowerShell, regardless of whether you have admin privileges or not
Some Noticeable Information
In order to execute an executable file without administrative privileges, first open PowerShell. Then, enter the ampersand symbol (&) followed by a space. Next, input the path to your EXE file enclosed in double quotation marks and press Enter.
To execute an EXE file with administrative privileges, utilize the command "Start-Process FilePath "powershell" -Verb RunAs," replacing FilePath with the complete path of your executable file enclosed in double quotation marks. With Windows PowerShell utility, launching executable (EXE) files becomes feasible, enabling you to access your preferred applications directly from a PowerShell window on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer. We will demonstrate the process of achieving this, whether or not administrative rights are available.
If you need to initiate an app that demands administrative privileges, like an app installer, execute your executable with administrative rights. Nevertheless, if you're initiating an already installed app (which probably doesn't require administrative privileges), access the file without the administrative rights.
Why Open EXE Files With PowerShell?
Instead of relying solely on the conventional method of double-clicking files to launch them on Windows, PowerShell can come in handy for certain situations. If you find yourself unable to use the File Explorer utility or if restarting Windows Explorer doesn't resolve the problem, utilizing the PowerShell approach allows you to open any executable file.
How to Launch an EXE File Without Admin Rights Using PowerShell
In case you are scripting and need to open a file, you may consider using a PowerShell command. By incorporating the aforementioned PowerShell commands, you can easily accomplish this task.
To start, open your PC’s Start Menu, find "PowerShell", and launch the utility.
To use the ampersand (&) symbol in PowerShell, start by pressing the Spacebar. Then, enter the path of your executable file and press Enter. If the file path contains spaces, remember to enclose it within double quotes.
If you are unsure about how to locate the file path of your program, a convenient method is to drag and drop the file onto your PowerShell window. This will automatically populate the file path for you. Alternatively, you can right-click on the file, select "Properties," navigate to the "Details" tab, and refer to the "Folder Path" value to find the correct file path.
To illustrate, if you wish to execute a file titled "FileZilla_3.62.2_win64-setup.exe" stored in a folder named "My Files" on your desktop, you would utilize a command similar to the one provided below:
& "C:\Users\mahes\Desktop\My Files\FileZilla_3.62.2_win64-setup.exe"
PowerShell will launch your specified executable file, and you’re all set.
How to Launch an EXE File With Admin Rights Using PowerShell
To run an executable file with admin rights in PowerShell, simply make a few changes to your command, and your file will launch with administrative privileges.
To accomplish this, open a PowerShell window on your computer. Within the window, input the given command, making sure to substitute "FilePath" with the complete file path of your choosing. Afterwards, press Enter:
Start-Process FilePath "powershell" -Verb RunAs
Enclosing the path with double quotes is necessary when the path includes spaces. However, it is recommended to always use double quotes as a best practice, as it does not create any problems.
For instance, to execute a file named "FileZilla_3.62.2_win64-setup.exe" located in a folder named "My Files" on your desktop with administrative privileges, the following command should be used in PowerShell:
Start-Process "C:\Users\mahes\Desktop\My Files\FileZilla_3.62.2_win64-setup.exe" "powershell" -Verb RunAs
PowerShell will launch your file with admin privileges, and you’re all set.
And that’s how you run your apps with or without admin rights from PowerShell on a Windows PC. Enjoy!
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of technology, I am always looking for new ways to improve my productivity and efficiency. One of the things that I find most useful is the ability to execute EXE files with Windows PowerShell. This allows me to quickly and easily open programs and applications without having to search for them in the Start menu or on my desktop.
PowerShell is a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, including executing EXE files. By following the steps outlined in the article, you can easily learn how to execute EXE files with PowerShell, regardless of whether or not you have administrative privileges. This can be a great way to save time and improve your productivity.
